New GPS

[s219]

With maps, GPS, and internet connectivity on modern smart phones, I really don't see the point of a standalone GPS unit anymore.

 

[bigtiller]

With maps, GPS, and internet connectivity on modern smart phones, I really don't see the point of a standalone GPS unit anymore.

How much data will a smart phone use in an hour running the map/gps? I'd really like to know. There is no free Wi-Fi on the roads i travel so i use my nuvi gps.

 

[s219]

How much data will a smart phone use in an hour running the map/gps? I'd really like to know. There is no free Wi-Fi on the roads i travel so i use my nuvi gps.

Won't use much if any data to run GPS, so the only use could potentially be the map content if not stored on the phone (some navigation apps do store their map content on the device, so no network access needed during usage).

I develop some navigation/mapping software for iPhone, and for typical use when testing at my desk, I might burn through 20-30 MB of map tile data in an hour. That is probably more excessive than someone just following a route on a map while driving. Most phone data plans have high enough data limits that 20-30MB is kind of peanuts.

 

[Deere Dude]

I have a stand alone older Tom-Tom. The maps the smart phones use seem to me more accurate for me and takes me on better routes. But I would rather use my GPS over the smart phone until I get into trouble somewhere.

 

[Wagtail]

I upgraded from an old TOMTOM Rider to a TOMTOM 'Go' this past December. It was via an online deal from them for A$200, with unlimited free map updates. I prefer a standalone GPS to a phone due to the larger screen + day/night switch-over.

I have used the GPS function on my smartphone to navigate on foot... and to find the address of a business, which I then punch into the 'Go'.

You might see if TOMTOM will give you a deal as you've been a loyal customer. It would be worth a call IMO.

 

[grsthegreat]

Ive tried both smart phone and my garmin. Hands down the gatmin. No data use. Has voice recognition. Mounts on dash. Extremely accurate.

Oh, did i say no data use. Does not rely on cell signal sites and towers....major plus in my neck of the woods.

 

[MikePA]

I really don't see the point of a standalone GPS unit anymore.

There are several reasons for a standalone GPS unit;

1. Poor, or no, cell service where the person travels a lot.
2. In the case of the OP, no smartphone.

 

[s219]

There are several reasons for a standalone GPS unit;

1. Poor, or no, cell service where the person travels a lot.
2. In the case of the OP, no smartphone.

Cell service isn't a requirement -- I have used my iPhone for survey use in the Utah backcountry many times, where there is zero cell service. In that situation, the iPhone GPS works solely off satellite use, just like a standalone GPS. You won't benefit from the quicker location fixes and refinement you get with internet access when cell service is available, but someone used to standalone GPS doesn't ever get that improvement anyhow, so they won't care.

Agree on #2, but if spending $$ to buy a one-trick-pony device like a standalone GPS, I think it would make more sense to put the money into a smartphone. Or get one of the free models. Even the free iPhone offered is a very capable device, and the $99 model is extremely powerful.

 

[MikePA]

A third reason is cell carriers typically require a monthly data plan with a smartphone. At $20 per month (AT&T 300 MB/month), the payoff for a nice Garmin Nuvi ($150) with lifetime maps and bluetooth is less than 8 months.

If someone already has a smartphone, buying a GPS probably doesn't make sense. If they don't, and anticipate no need for a smartphone, a GPS makes more sense.

Different requirements result in different, not right or wrong, solutions. It's good to have choices.

 

[Eric_Phillips]

Cell service isn't a requirement -- I have used my iPhone for survey use in the Utah backcountry many times, where there is zero cell service. In that situation, the iPhone GPS works solely off satellite use, just like a standalone GPS.

Only the coordinates come off the satellite, the map data needs to come from the internet. Unless you stay on map images currently in the phone buffer you will need an internet connection to get the map data. If you are using one of the third party apps that stores the map data on the phone then you need to pay for map updates.